Wrongful Death Lawyer Lakeland, FL
Compassionate Counsel for Families Seeking Justice
- Multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements
- A family-run firm ready to serve yours
- Free consultations and no fees unless we recover
Get Direct Support From Attorneys Drew & Caroline Moody
When you call on Moody Law for help, your family will work directly with attorneys Andrew Moody and Caroline Moody.
Drew is a seasoned trial lawyer with verdicts exceeding $50 million. Caroline’s background in medical malpractice defense helps her anticipate and counter the strategies of hospitals, insurers, and corporations. Together, our attorneys take on a select number of wrongful death cases so that families like yours can receive the attention and guidance they deserve.
If you’ve lost a loved one in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or elsewhere in Polk County, reach out today for a compassionate, confidential case review.
We Are Here for You
“Mr. Moody and his team are wonderful. Helped my wife and I every step of the way. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an honest firm.”
Defining Wrongful Death
A wrongful death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or malicious actions of another party. Natural deaths, or deaths that were unpreventable, and "accidental" deaths are not classified as wrongful deaths.
For example, if a doctor's negligence caused a birth injury resulting in the loss of an infant, you may be eligible for compensation. However, even in instances in which an individual has died while receiving medical care, it is still necessary to prove that the patient died as a result of a care provider's negligent actions. If the medical provider abided by the accepted standard of care, and the patient still died, it may not be possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
We know that the time after a family member's death can be confusing and trying. For that reason, we are committed to handling our clients' legal needs so that they can continue the healing process.
Many people don't know what their legal options are in the event of a wrongful death. A diligent and caring wrongful death attorney from Moody Law will help protect your rights and hold negligent individuals accountable for their actions. If you think you have a wrongful death case, we want to hear from you. Request a free consultation at our Bartow, Tampa, or Lakeland legal office today.
Achieving Justice for Prospective Parents
There's nothing more devastating than the loss of a newborn or infant. If a medical professional's negligence resulted in the loss of your baby, contact our Tampa medical malpractice boutique that focuses on OB-GYN-related cases. We can help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our Track Record of Success in Wrongful Death Claims
Six-Figure Recovery
In this wrongful death lawsuit, a nursing home resident died when she was left unattended in her wheelchair. She slipped down in her chair and was choked by her wheelchair's seatbelt. Our wrongful death attorneys reached a substantial six-figure settlement with the nursing home.
Policy Limit Settlement
A 32-year-old mother of three was presenting signs of a pulmonary embolism, but her physician sent her home on two occasions without recognizing the urgency of her condition. She passed away shortly after. Our team secured a confidential settlement for the physician’s and medical clinic’s full policy limits of insurance.
$800,000 Settlement
A man was shot and killed by a negligent hunter while both were hunting. The shooter had been part of a joint venture with other landowners to operate a hunting club. Our wrongful death attorneys represented his wife and children to secure $800,000 from the hunting club for negligence committed by the shooter.
Hear From Drew Moody: Compassionate Wrongful Death Representation in Lakeland
At Moody Law, we are committed to holding negligent parties liable for their reckless actions. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, our attorneys will handle your legal needs and provide sound guidance in the days, weeks, and even months following your loss. We encourage you to contact the attorneys of Moody Law. We will show you compassion and give you quality representation from the moment you file your wrongful death claim.
Understanding Florida's Laws
Comparative Negligence
Florida is a comparative negligence state, meaning that if someone is 51% or more at fault for their own death, no recovery is possible. If they are 50% at fault or less for their death, their family can recover damages, but they will be reduced by the percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years. This means the family of a deceased person has two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death claim before they miss out on being able to recover compensation.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
If you have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice or another event, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the liable medical professionals or another party. However, certain criteria must be met in order to file a wrongful death claim:
- The individual must be deceased.
- You must be a relative or beneficiary of the victim.
- The individual must have been killed as a result of another party's negligence.
Proving that a death was caused by another person's negligence can be difficult. To maximize your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve, it is best to hire a qualified wrongful death lawyer. Put our wrongful death lawyers in Lakeland on the case today.
Types of Compensation Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help You Collect
If it is determined that the plaintiffs are eligible to receive compensation, they may be able to receive reimbursement for:
- Medical costs
- Funerary costs
- Lost wages
- Lost future wages
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
It may also be possible to file for punitive damages if it can be shown that the defendant acted with wanton disregard for the safety of your loved one. This can be particularly advantageous in medical malpractice cases, as we trust medical personnel to uphold a certain standard of care. When they fall short, punitive damages can help reinforce the fact that they are expected to abide by a higher standard. A wrongful death lawyer from Moody Law can review your case and help determine which damages you can recover.
Causes of Wrongful Death
Many accidents and acts of negligence can lead to a personal injury or wrongful death. While our offices serving Lakeland, Bartow, Tampa, Winter Haven, Polk County, and beyond often help clients who have lost loved ones due to medical malpractice, we also help those who have lost people due to:
Helping Clients With Personal Injuries
If you or your loved one has sustained a personal injury due to the negligence of another party, our Lakeland law firm can help you secure compensation for your medical bills, property damage, future related expenses, and more. Whether your injuries are due to medical malpractice, a car accident, or another event, our attorneys are on your side.
“They are always there
for YOU!”
“The people at Moody Law are awesome! They are always there for YOU! They are very helpful and prompt in answering your questions and concerns. Mr. Moody is a great lawyer and he will represent you diligently and professionally.”
— Valerie, 5-Star Client Review
How We’ll Act in the Critical First Stages
Wrongful death claims often hinge on early action. Our attorneys can:
- Investigate thoroughly, gathering medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
- Preserve time-sensitive evidence, such as surveillance video or defective products
- Consult with experts, including doctors, accident reconstructionists, and economists, to prove liability and damages
- Guide your family through Florida’s two-year deadline so your claim is filed on time
We’re ready to help you position your case for the best possible outcome under Florida law.
FAQ for Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Lakeland, FL
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
Typically, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents. Our attorneys can help determine who has legal standing and guide you through the process.
What types of damages are available?
Compensation may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, lost income and benefits, and emotional pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness.
How long do I have to file?
Florida law allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this window can bar your family from seeking compensation, which is why it’s important to contact our attorneys promptly.
Does it matter if my loved one was partly at fault?
Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, if your loved one is found 51% or more responsible, no recovery is allowed. If they were less than 51% at fault, you can still pursue compensation, but it will be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
"Would recommend with no hesitation whatsoever.”
“Easily the most professional, detailed, service minded offices my family and I have ever dealt with. No questions from us were too big or small, and we were always treated as a top priority. Would recommend with no hesitation whatsoever.”
— Michael, 5-Star Client Review
